After a miserable midweek Champions League match against Besiktas, the Premier League is here to save the day as bottom club Portsmouth host the Champions at Fratton Park. However, Sir Alex begins his two-match ban, so Mike Phelan will be handing out the touchline instructions.
It is Avram Grant’s first game in charge of Pompey after the departure of Paul Hart on Tuesday, and he seems up for the challenge,
“The spirit of the team and atmosphere are good. The squad is good enough to take us from the bottom, but we need some players who can improve us.”
It is Grant’s second spell at the club as he left Fratton Park in July 2007 to take up a director of football role at Chelsea succeeding Jose Mourinho in September of that year, but he was sacked at the end of the season despite guiding his side to second in the Premier League and the Champions League final, where they lost on penalties to our good selves.
Many of you may also remember Avram Grant’s first game in charge of Chelsea, a 2-0 defeat against the mighty reds. Lets hope history repeats itself on Saturday. Omens look positive for us as Portsmouth have been stuck at the bottom of the Premier League table since August and have the least effective front line in the Premier League, scoring just 10 goals in their 13 games. Vidic may have to wait for his contract and also some defensive tasks on Saturday.
Goalkeeper David James looks likely to miss the match with a calf injury, and should be replaced by Jamie Ashdown. Pompey could welcome back Papa Bouba Diop, who has recovered from a hamstring injury. John Utaka and Steve Finnan may also make it to the bench. One player to look out for is Aruna Dindane, Portsmouth’s top scorer with 4 so far this season (3 of which came against Wigan). Jamie O’Hara is another to look out for, he has been one of few bright lights at Fratton Park this season, providing the energy in the Pompey midfield and also an attacking threat we should be wary of.
Sir Alex Ferguson has been very gracious and respectful to his opposite number,
“He’s very experienced and I’m sure he will get the right reaction from his players. We’ve kept in touch quite a lot and he will be glad to get back into management. He has got a big challenge, but they have some good players and they might be in a false position.”
A much changed line up from Wednesday won’t include Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves who are definitely out, while Jonny Evans and John O’Shea have not made the trip south. This means Wesley Brown, “the best natural defender in the country” according to Ferguson, will continue his partnership with Vidic at the back. Evra should be recalled and Gary Neville will take up his usual position, as will Van der Sar.
With Portsmouth weak at left-back, Valencia will start to give the side a potent attacking threat down the right. After a rest in midweek, Carrick and Fletcher should form the midfield pairing, with Ryan Giggs battling it out with Gabriel Obertan for the left side position. Giggs should be given the nod as he searches for his 100th Premier League goal.
In the final third Dimitar Berbatov should be back after missing the last four matches and Wayne Rooney will commence service as well with Michael Owen dropping to the bench as has become the norm.
A word of caution: We have only managed two victories at Fratton Park in the Premier League out of six attempts, we have lost our last two away fixtures, not three in a row since 1996. Portsmouth haven’t scored in the last three matches between the sides. A comfortable victory and one that would be our 2,000th in the league, should ensue given the majority of the first team has in effect had a week off and should be fresh.
Portsmouth will have that air of confidence a new manager brings, but ultimately we should be too strong.
Prediction: 3-0
Probable Line Up: Van der Sar, Neville, Brown, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Fletcher, Carrick, Giggs, Rooney, Berbatov
Saturday 28 November 2009
Thursday 26 November 2009
Is Failure Just Around the Corner For AC Milan?
The weekend’s fixtures in Serie A produced a number of exciting matches, fantastic goals and thrilling performances. One such game was AC Milan’s 4-3 victory over Cagliari. The enigmatic Ronaldinho produced a mesmerising second half performance, Pato scored a wonderful goal, Seedorf seemed back to the Clarence of old, while Dida once more defied the ‘donkey’ tag to churned out a string of impressive saves. Such behaviour has prompted many Rossoneri faithful to claim all is well at Milanello and a serious Scudetto challenge can be mounted. I would recommend an air of caution because it wasn’t that long ago the San Siro side were in crisis.
Those of you may remember the breath of fresh air Leonardo brought to AC Milan, a new young coach with different ideas, a new way of thinking. You may also remember the very same coach who looked inept, at a loss to change a side that looked worn, tired just plain too old. Week 2 heralded the early arrival of the Derby della Madonnina or the Milan Derby to you and me. An optimistic Milan arrived ready to do battle with the Inter juggernaught, and instead of going into battle with a magnificent roar, nothing more than a silent whimper could be heard as il Biscione suffocated its prey with a masterful display, the final score 4-0.
Disappointing results against Livorno, Udinese and Bari were to follow; these were accompanied by dismal performances. Ronaldinho looked disinterested as he did all of last season, more likely to be seen partying in Paris than playing football in Milan. The culmination of this crisis came in the Champions League when Swiss minnows FC Zurich arrived at the San Siro. The result was a disaster, humiliating for the great AC Milan and Leonardo as a coach. But was this a turning point?
Since that fateful night on the 30th September 2009, the Rossoneri have gone on a 10 match unbeaten run in all competitions. They have moved from 12th in the Serie A standings to 3rd, only 2 points away from Juventus in second place, they even occupied second place on Sunday, if only for a few hours.
This resurgence can be attributed to a number of factors, first and foremost Leonardo has ditched the 4-3-1-2 formation in favour of a more attack minded 4-3-3, playing Ronaldinho and Pato, left and right of a target man striker, namely Borriello. Seedorf has found his role in midfield, creating chance after chance for the front men. Credit must also go to the Thiago Silva-Nesta foundation this forward line is built on. Nesta in particular has been superlative this season as a whole, he may be 33 and a frequent visitor to the Milan physio, but you cannot take away his effervescing class.
The results do speak for themselves, winning away in Madrid, dispatching highflyers Parma and dominating Lazio for the most part. However in my mind there is a lingering doubt that AC Milan can keep up this miracle of miracles. Everyone has written them off as a team of pensioners unable to cope with one game a week never mind two. Yet these doubters have been proved wrong, thus far at least.
My main issue lies in the squad and is related to the arguments made by many a few months ago. The team has many flaws, it is slow, it is ageing and the personnel are past their prime. These problems do not go away, they are only being managed better by a young coach who is learning at a swift rate. How will Gattuso, Nesta, Zambrotta, Oddo, Jankulovski, Inzaghi, Pirlo et al cope in February three quarters of the way into a gruelling season? What if the stars, Ronaldinho, Pato or Nesta are injured for a prolonged period?
Milan may be on a high now, but it only takes a couple of negative results then it is back to the drawing board and a so-called ‘crisis’ ensues once more. To all you Rossoneri, be optimistic but don’t believe the hype.
Those of you may remember the breath of fresh air Leonardo brought to AC Milan, a new young coach with different ideas, a new way of thinking. You may also remember the very same coach who looked inept, at a loss to change a side that looked worn, tired just plain too old. Week 2 heralded the early arrival of the Derby della Madonnina or the Milan Derby to you and me. An optimistic Milan arrived ready to do battle with the Inter juggernaught, and instead of going into battle with a magnificent roar, nothing more than a silent whimper could be heard as il Biscione suffocated its prey with a masterful display, the final score 4-0.
Disappointing results against Livorno, Udinese and Bari were to follow; these were accompanied by dismal performances. Ronaldinho looked disinterested as he did all of last season, more likely to be seen partying in Paris than playing football in Milan. The culmination of this crisis came in the Champions League when Swiss minnows FC Zurich arrived at the San Siro. The result was a disaster, humiliating for the great AC Milan and Leonardo as a coach. But was this a turning point?
Since that fateful night on the 30th September 2009, the Rossoneri have gone on a 10 match unbeaten run in all competitions. They have moved from 12th in the Serie A standings to 3rd, only 2 points away from Juventus in second place, they even occupied second place on Sunday, if only for a few hours.
This resurgence can be attributed to a number of factors, first and foremost Leonardo has ditched the 4-3-1-2 formation in favour of a more attack minded 4-3-3, playing Ronaldinho and Pato, left and right of a target man striker, namely Borriello. Seedorf has found his role in midfield, creating chance after chance for the front men. Credit must also go to the Thiago Silva-Nesta foundation this forward line is built on. Nesta in particular has been superlative this season as a whole, he may be 33 and a frequent visitor to the Milan physio, but you cannot take away his effervescing class.
The results do speak for themselves, winning away in Madrid, dispatching highflyers Parma and dominating Lazio for the most part. However in my mind there is a lingering doubt that AC Milan can keep up this miracle of miracles. Everyone has written them off as a team of pensioners unable to cope with one game a week never mind two. Yet these doubters have been proved wrong, thus far at least.
My main issue lies in the squad and is related to the arguments made by many a few months ago. The team has many flaws, it is slow, it is ageing and the personnel are past their prime. These problems do not go away, they are only being managed better by a young coach who is learning at a swift rate. How will Gattuso, Nesta, Zambrotta, Oddo, Jankulovski, Inzaghi, Pirlo et al cope in February three quarters of the way into a gruelling season? What if the stars, Ronaldinho, Pato or Nesta are injured for a prolonged period?
Milan may be on a high now, but it only takes a couple of negative results then it is back to the drawing board and a so-called ‘crisis’ ensues once more. To all you Rossoneri, be optimistic but don’t believe the hype.
Saturday 21 November 2009
Manchester United vs Everton: Preview
Another international break has ended finally giving United the opportunity to avenge the 1-0 defeat against Chelsea. Willing victims, Everton, line up at Old Trafford in the day’s late kick-off, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s touchline ban not set to begin until after the match; he will surely demand a victory before he takes his seat in the stands.
In the terraces, for sure, will sit Gary Neville, who is suspended. Our defensive injury crisis worsened as John O’Shea picked up an ankle injury against France and remains doubtful for today’s game. Jonny Evans is touch and go with a calf strain and along with long-term absentee Rio Ferdinand, our defence will be stretched to its limits.
The good news is Nemanja Vidic — who has been out of action for three weeks with a calf problem — should return to marshal the defence after playing 70 minutes for Serbia against South Korea on Wednesday. Lining up beside him will no doubt be a jubilant Patrice Evra; Wes Brown, fresh from a woeful display against Brazil, and likely Rafael at right-back.
One thing you can probably guarantee is Nani won’t be getting on the pitch this weekend, despite his heroics for Portugal over the last week. His recent attack on Sir Alex will have not gone unnoticed by the manager. Paul Scholes, a lover of the much-maligned international break looks a certain starter; well rested and having missed out against Chelsea, he will surely be raring to go. For the other midfield slot, it is probably between Fletcher and Carrick, although since Carrick is carrying a slight thigh strain expect the Scot to start beside Scholesy.
Ryan Giggs, stuck on 99 Premier League goals, is expected to feature at some point as well in a bid to grab that all-important 100th goal. Gabriel Obertan will be pushing for a start, given his recent performances for both the first team and reserves, while Valencia will provide the attacking thrust down the right. Let’s hope he can deliver a few telling balls and carry on his recent run of good form.
Stand-in England captain, Wayne Rooney will no doubt lead the line against his former team. Dimitar Berbatov will look to carry forward his form with Bulgaria, as he bagged brace in the 4-1 thrashing of Malta to become Bulgaria’s all-time leading scorer with 48 goals in 74 appearances. He replaces Hristo Bonev, who held the record for 30 years.
The Toffees bring a number of ex-United stars back to Old Trafford. Louis Saha will be out to prove a point, if he manages to stay fit between now and kick-off. Tim Howard and, of course, the other Neville brother will be back, though the latter is out through injury.
Fergie clearly has a great amount of respect for Everton boss David Moyes, commenting on the injury crisis at Goodison and comparing it to our own. “Everton have had a tremendous run of injuries and David Moyes is facing much the same situation as myself at the moment. You can understand how difficult it is to win games when you don’t have your best team out. Once they get their full squad back they will soon come up the table again.”
Russian winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov will definitely be out for Everton as he serves the second of his three-match suspension while Tim Cahill is doubtful with a groin injury. Among other absentees for the Merseysiders are Mikel Arteta, Phil Jagielka, Leon Osman and Victor Anichebe. Despite this Everton find themselves in exactly the same situation as last season, 12th on 15 points after 11 matches.
They are also bring a potential United star of the future, Jack Rodwell, recently linked with us for a staggering £20m fee, who will have the chance to show his potential employers what he is capable of. With a cool head and likened to Rio Ferdinand in style, it is easy to see why SAF is interested given the injury problems Rio has.
This season has been a tale of inconsistency for Everton but a run of 7 games without a win was ended with the 3-2 victory over West Ham two weeks ago. An injury ravaged Everton should provide a relatively simple test for us, especially after the injustice at Stamford Bridge. However, recent home results against Birmingham, Manchester City, Sunderland and Bolton do not exactly inspire confidence.
We can’t afford to drop any more points despite proclamations that the five point lead Chelsea hold isn’t ‘insurmountable’. Unbeaten at Old Trafford since 1992 against Everton, United have only lost once in the last 28 meetings between the sides.
Prediction: 3-1 United
Probable Line Up: Van der Sar; Evra, Vidic, Brown, Rafael; Obertan, Scholes, Fletcher, Valencia; Rooney, Berbatov
In the terraces, for sure, will sit Gary Neville, who is suspended. Our defensive injury crisis worsened as John O’Shea picked up an ankle injury against France and remains doubtful for today’s game. Jonny Evans is touch and go with a calf strain and along with long-term absentee Rio Ferdinand, our defence will be stretched to its limits.
The good news is Nemanja Vidic — who has been out of action for three weeks with a calf problem — should return to marshal the defence after playing 70 minutes for Serbia against South Korea on Wednesday. Lining up beside him will no doubt be a jubilant Patrice Evra; Wes Brown, fresh from a woeful display against Brazil, and likely Rafael at right-back.
One thing you can probably guarantee is Nani won’t be getting on the pitch this weekend, despite his heroics for Portugal over the last week. His recent attack on Sir Alex will have not gone unnoticed by the manager. Paul Scholes, a lover of the much-maligned international break looks a certain starter; well rested and having missed out against Chelsea, he will surely be raring to go. For the other midfield slot, it is probably between Fletcher and Carrick, although since Carrick is carrying a slight thigh strain expect the Scot to start beside Scholesy.
Ryan Giggs, stuck on 99 Premier League goals, is expected to feature at some point as well in a bid to grab that all-important 100th goal. Gabriel Obertan will be pushing for a start, given his recent performances for both the first team and reserves, while Valencia will provide the attacking thrust down the right. Let’s hope he can deliver a few telling balls and carry on his recent run of good form.
Stand-in England captain, Wayne Rooney will no doubt lead the line against his former team. Dimitar Berbatov will look to carry forward his form with Bulgaria, as he bagged brace in the 4-1 thrashing of Malta to become Bulgaria’s all-time leading scorer with 48 goals in 74 appearances. He replaces Hristo Bonev, who held the record for 30 years.
The Toffees bring a number of ex-United stars back to Old Trafford. Louis Saha will be out to prove a point, if he manages to stay fit between now and kick-off. Tim Howard and, of course, the other Neville brother will be back, though the latter is out through injury.
Fergie clearly has a great amount of respect for Everton boss David Moyes, commenting on the injury crisis at Goodison and comparing it to our own. “Everton have had a tremendous run of injuries and David Moyes is facing much the same situation as myself at the moment. You can understand how difficult it is to win games when you don’t have your best team out. Once they get their full squad back they will soon come up the table again.”
Russian winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov will definitely be out for Everton as he serves the second of his three-match suspension while Tim Cahill is doubtful with a groin injury. Among other absentees for the Merseysiders are Mikel Arteta, Phil Jagielka, Leon Osman and Victor Anichebe. Despite this Everton find themselves in exactly the same situation as last season, 12th on 15 points after 11 matches.
They are also bring a potential United star of the future, Jack Rodwell, recently linked with us for a staggering £20m fee, who will have the chance to show his potential employers what he is capable of. With a cool head and likened to Rio Ferdinand in style, it is easy to see why SAF is interested given the injury problems Rio has.
This season has been a tale of inconsistency for Everton but a run of 7 games without a win was ended with the 3-2 victory over West Ham two weeks ago. An injury ravaged Everton should provide a relatively simple test for us, especially after the injustice at Stamford Bridge. However, recent home results against Birmingham, Manchester City, Sunderland and Bolton do not exactly inspire confidence.
We can’t afford to drop any more points despite proclamations that the five point lead Chelsea hold isn’t ‘insurmountable’. Unbeaten at Old Trafford since 1992 against Everton, United have only lost once in the last 28 meetings between the sides.
Prediction: 3-1 United
Probable Line Up: Van der Sar; Evra, Vidic, Brown, Rafael; Obertan, Scholes, Fletcher, Valencia; Rooney, Berbatov
Sunday 15 November 2009
What is Best For Manchester United and Rooney?
With the international break nearly over, the excitement of the Premier League will be back with us and Manchester United will be looking to get back to winning ways against Everton at Old Trafford at the weekend.
Following the Chelsea defeat I began thinking about what the best Manchester United eleven actually is? You can name Chelsea’s best eleven fairly easily, as with Arsenal and Liverpool. But with United it proves more problematic.
Assuming everyone is fit and assuming Ben Foster does not have any more opportunities to show his ‘skills’ then Edwin van der Sar will be the goalkeeper of choice. Going along the back four it is one that picks itself, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic as the centre-back pairing, Patrice Evra at left-back and John O’Shea at right-back. A solid foundation to build upon, but it is from here things become a tad more difficult.
Firstly we must decide which formation to use, will it be 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3 or a 4-5-1? Then think of the personnel, who are the first choice centre midfield pairing? Michael Carrick and Anderson? Darren Fletcher and Paul Scholes? Add Ryan Giggs and Owen Hargreaves to this equation then you are left with a headache only asprin can cure.
You also have a number of wide players, Nani, Antonio Valencia, Ji-Sung Park et al. Plus there is a the argument about how much Michael Owen should play, as it seems Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov are nailed on starters.
In my opinion against the top class sides a 4-4-2 does not suffice, and this is especially true with Manchester United, as they don’t have centre midfielders that can match Europe’s best. So I would argue for a 4-5-1/4-3-3 depending on possession of the ball.
Then we must add the players to the system and I feel Manchester United have the perfect style of player to adapt to this fairly easily. The system was also used to great effect during ‘the Ronaldo years’. Ronaldo may have gone but I think the person to step into the void left by the Portuguese is Mr Wayne Rooney.
Personally, I would have Fletcher, Carrick and Anderson as the midfield trio. I think they work extremely well together, bring different attributes to the table and can dominate even the strongest midfields in Europe, given the job they did over Chelsea. When a Scholes-Carrick axis was used against Liverpool, it failed, dramatically.
This would leave three places for forward players. The three I would choose would be Nani, Berbatov and Rooney, with Berbatov as the lone striker, Nani on the right and Rooney on the left. I’m braced for the backlash.
Before it comes let me justify this. Rooney is a top class player, no question, but in my opinion he can help the team more cutting in from the left onto his right foot. Evra can provide width and the aforementioned midfield three can provide cover then Rooney moves infield. Think of him in a Messi-esque role. He can cut in, dribble, play the through ball to Dimitar and generally put himself about. The added bonus of his work rate means he can provide support for Evra when needed.
He may operate best behind a front man, but I think he can offer more to the team coming in from the left. This would then allow others to express themselves in a more efficient way and ultimately help the Manchester United side to more success and become more of a cohesive unit.
Let the backlash begin!
Following the Chelsea defeat I began thinking about what the best Manchester United eleven actually is? You can name Chelsea’s best eleven fairly easily, as with Arsenal and Liverpool. But with United it proves more problematic.
Assuming everyone is fit and assuming Ben Foster does not have any more opportunities to show his ‘skills’ then Edwin van der Sar will be the goalkeeper of choice. Going along the back four it is one that picks itself, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic as the centre-back pairing, Patrice Evra at left-back and John O’Shea at right-back. A solid foundation to build upon, but it is from here things become a tad more difficult.
Firstly we must decide which formation to use, will it be 4-4-2 or a 4-3-3 or a 4-5-1? Then think of the personnel, who are the first choice centre midfield pairing? Michael Carrick and Anderson? Darren Fletcher and Paul Scholes? Add Ryan Giggs and Owen Hargreaves to this equation then you are left with a headache only asprin can cure.
You also have a number of wide players, Nani, Antonio Valencia, Ji-Sung Park et al. Plus there is a the argument about how much Michael Owen should play, as it seems Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov are nailed on starters.
In my opinion against the top class sides a 4-4-2 does not suffice, and this is especially true with Manchester United, as they don’t have centre midfielders that can match Europe’s best. So I would argue for a 4-5-1/4-3-3 depending on possession of the ball.
Then we must add the players to the system and I feel Manchester United have the perfect style of player to adapt to this fairly easily. The system was also used to great effect during ‘the Ronaldo years’. Ronaldo may have gone but I think the person to step into the void left by the Portuguese is Mr Wayne Rooney.
Personally, I would have Fletcher, Carrick and Anderson as the midfield trio. I think they work extremely well together, bring different attributes to the table and can dominate even the strongest midfields in Europe, given the job they did over Chelsea. When a Scholes-Carrick axis was used against Liverpool, it failed, dramatically.
This would leave three places for forward players. The three I would choose would be Nani, Berbatov and Rooney, with Berbatov as the lone striker, Nani on the right and Rooney on the left. I’m braced for the backlash.
Before it comes let me justify this. Rooney is a top class player, no question, but in my opinion he can help the team more cutting in from the left onto his right foot. Evra can provide width and the aforementioned midfield three can provide cover then Rooney moves infield. Think of him in a Messi-esque role. He can cut in, dribble, play the through ball to Dimitar and generally put himself about. The added bonus of his work rate means he can provide support for Evra when needed.
He may operate best behind a front man, but I think he can offer more to the team coming in from the left. This would then allow others to express themselves in a more efficient way and ultimately help the Manchester United side to more success and become more of a cohesive unit.
Let the backlash begin!
Saturday 14 November 2009
Much of the Same But With a Sprinkling of Black Pepper
With the final international break of the year almost upon us, Marcelo Lippi has named his squad for the upcoming games with Holland and Sweden and he managed to spring a few surprises along with the usual sprinkling of nailed on members.
Lets have a look at the players Senor Lippi has given the call ahead of the two games.
The goalkeeping position is about the only area of the Italy team that isn’t up for debate; if he is fit Gianluigi Buffon will be Italy’s number one, no questions asked. His save against Maccabi Haifa in the Champions League was nothing short of phenomenal. For me he is the best in the world.
The only question is finding an able deputy for the great man, he personally earmarked Federico Marchetti as his successor but I am a fan of Luca Castellazzi of Sampdoria myself. He has been in superb form all season, and can be considered along with Cassano as a vital cog in the blucerchiati machine, but Morgan De Sanctis managed to get the nod instead for the upcoming games.
In defence we have what will be the starting back four in South Africa, Fabio Cannavaro, Giorgio Chiellini, Gianluca Zambrotta and Fabio Grosso. Then we have back up centre-backs Salvatore Bocchetti and Nicola Legrottaglie who seem certain to be boarding the plane and subsequently we have a number of fringe players given the chance to shine.
Mattia Cassani of Palermo has a chance to impress and according to his coach Walter Zenga, the entire Palermo side should be in the Azzurri squad. Cassani has been in good form this season and deserves a chance, lets hope he can take it. He will have competition from Christian Maggio of Napoli who is as strong going forward as he is at defending, a player who has earned his call up and will look to oust both Zambrotta and Cassani for this starting right-back slot.
Finally in the defensive stakes we have Domenico Criscito, the Genoa left-back. A star for the U21’s and for his club, he will be a future star for the national side and should be given the chance to challenge Grosso for a starting berth.
Again with the midfielders, Lippi has selected a core that will almost certainly be heading to South Africa. Andrea Pirlo, Mauro Camoranesi, Danielle De Rossi and Angelo Palombo. All have been heavily involved in the qualifying campaign so expect them to travel.
Marco Marchionni has been in and out the squad recently, his two goals against Catania a couple of weeks past will have earned him one last chance to impress Lippi. I however, do not expect him to retain his place in the squad.
Danielle Galloppa has one cap, earned against Northern Ireland in June this year. He has been superb for Parma as they climb higher up the Serie A table. He can provide added to drive and energy to a midfield that has become slow and cumbersome.
Then we have two surprise call-ups, Davide Biondini of Cagliari and Antonio Candreva of Livorno.
For me Candreva has particularly impressed this campaign, on loan from Udinese he was part of the Italy side that took part in the U21 European Championships in the summer. It may be a bit too late for him to get a place in the final World Cup squad but if there are a few injuries then he could well get a chance. A player who has been Livorno’s only shining light.
Riccardo Montolivo was a late call-up to replace the injured Danielle De Rossi. He has been out of the Azzurri picture since the disastrous Confederations Cup campaign and has been given one last chance to shine and show Lippi he can offer something to La Nazionale in South Africa. He was earmarked as the next great Italian creative talent but so far has failed to live up to such a label.
As for the strikers it is pretty much as you were, with the additions of Genoa’s Raffaele Palladino and Sampdoria’s Giampaolo Pazzini. Pazzini will be looking to cement his place in the squad and carry forward his form with Samp; lets just hope he doesn’t receive a silly red card. No place for Antonio Cassano, it seems his World Cup dream is dead and buried.
As Lippi continues to shape his team for 2010, it can be safely said he knows about 18 of his 23 man squad and there wont be much room for any wild card entries. It would now be a case of instilling the same belief and cohesion the 2006 side had. Would you bet against Italy lifting the World Cup next year?
Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli), Federico Marchetti (Cagliari)
Defenders: Salvatore Bocchetti (Genoa), Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus), Mattia Cassani (Palermo), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Fabio Grosso (Juventus), Nicola Legrottaglie (Juventus), Christian Maggio (Napoli), Gianluca Zambrotta (Milan)
Midfielders: Davide Biondini (Cagliari), Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus), Antonio Candreva (Livorno), Riccardo Montolivo (Roma), Danielle Galloppa (Parma), Marco Marchionni (Fiorentina), Angelo Palombo (Sampdoria), Andrea Pirlo (Milan)
Forwards: Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Alberto Gilardino (Fiorentina), Raffaele Palladino (Genoa), Giampaolo Pazzini (Sampdoria), Guiseppe Rossi (Villarreal)
Lets have a look at the players Senor Lippi has given the call ahead of the two games.
The goalkeeping position is about the only area of the Italy team that isn’t up for debate; if he is fit Gianluigi Buffon will be Italy’s number one, no questions asked. His save against Maccabi Haifa in the Champions League was nothing short of phenomenal. For me he is the best in the world.
The only question is finding an able deputy for the great man, he personally earmarked Federico Marchetti as his successor but I am a fan of Luca Castellazzi of Sampdoria myself. He has been in superb form all season, and can be considered along with Cassano as a vital cog in the blucerchiati machine, but Morgan De Sanctis managed to get the nod instead for the upcoming games.
In defence we have what will be the starting back four in South Africa, Fabio Cannavaro, Giorgio Chiellini, Gianluca Zambrotta and Fabio Grosso. Then we have back up centre-backs Salvatore Bocchetti and Nicola Legrottaglie who seem certain to be boarding the plane and subsequently we have a number of fringe players given the chance to shine.
Mattia Cassani of Palermo has a chance to impress and according to his coach Walter Zenga, the entire Palermo side should be in the Azzurri squad. Cassani has been in good form this season and deserves a chance, lets hope he can take it. He will have competition from Christian Maggio of Napoli who is as strong going forward as he is at defending, a player who has earned his call up and will look to oust both Zambrotta and Cassani for this starting right-back slot.
Finally in the defensive stakes we have Domenico Criscito, the Genoa left-back. A star for the U21’s and for his club, he will be a future star for the national side and should be given the chance to challenge Grosso for a starting berth.
Again with the midfielders, Lippi has selected a core that will almost certainly be heading to South Africa. Andrea Pirlo, Mauro Camoranesi, Danielle De Rossi and Angelo Palombo. All have been heavily involved in the qualifying campaign so expect them to travel.
Marco Marchionni has been in and out the squad recently, his two goals against Catania a couple of weeks past will have earned him one last chance to impress Lippi. I however, do not expect him to retain his place in the squad.
Danielle Galloppa has one cap, earned against Northern Ireland in June this year. He has been superb for Parma as they climb higher up the Serie A table. He can provide added to drive and energy to a midfield that has become slow and cumbersome.
Then we have two surprise call-ups, Davide Biondini of Cagliari and Antonio Candreva of Livorno.
For me Candreva has particularly impressed this campaign, on loan from Udinese he was part of the Italy side that took part in the U21 European Championships in the summer. It may be a bit too late for him to get a place in the final World Cup squad but if there are a few injuries then he could well get a chance. A player who has been Livorno’s only shining light.
Riccardo Montolivo was a late call-up to replace the injured Danielle De Rossi. He has been out of the Azzurri picture since the disastrous Confederations Cup campaign and has been given one last chance to shine and show Lippi he can offer something to La Nazionale in South Africa. He was earmarked as the next great Italian creative talent but so far has failed to live up to such a label.
As for the strikers it is pretty much as you were, with the additions of Genoa’s Raffaele Palladino and Sampdoria’s Giampaolo Pazzini. Pazzini will be looking to cement his place in the squad and carry forward his form with Samp; lets just hope he doesn’t receive a silly red card. No place for Antonio Cassano, it seems his World Cup dream is dead and buried.
As Lippi continues to shape his team for 2010, it can be safely said he knows about 18 of his 23 man squad and there wont be much room for any wild card entries. It would now be a case of instilling the same belief and cohesion the 2006 side had. Would you bet against Italy lifting the World Cup next year?
Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli), Federico Marchetti (Cagliari)
Defenders: Salvatore Bocchetti (Genoa), Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus), Mattia Cassani (Palermo), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Fabio Grosso (Juventus), Nicola Legrottaglie (Juventus), Christian Maggio (Napoli), Gianluca Zambrotta (Milan)
Midfielders: Davide Biondini (Cagliari), Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus), Antonio Candreva (Livorno), Riccardo Montolivo (Roma), Danielle Galloppa (Parma), Marco Marchionni (Fiorentina), Angelo Palombo (Sampdoria), Andrea Pirlo (Milan)
Forwards: Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Alberto Gilardino (Fiorentina), Raffaele Palladino (Genoa), Giampaolo Pazzini (Sampdoria), Guiseppe Rossi (Villarreal)
Tuesday 3 November 2009
The Partenopei Phoenix, Is Napoli Rising?
Have Napoli turned a corner? Many people, including myself, think they have indeed.
It wasn’t so long ago that the Partenopei were conducting a magnificent summer transfer campaign, bringing in Juan Zúñiga from Siena, Hugo Campagnaro a surprise addition from Sampdoria and enticing Fabio Quagliarella back to his hometown club. While adding Azzurrini sensation Luca Cigarini to an already talented bunch of youngsters that included Ezequiel Lavezzi and Marek Hamsik.
I could go on, as the amount of talent that Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has brought in is truly amazing. They have one of the most impressive squads in the peninsula.
But after the sacking of Edy Reja in March this year, it was left to former national team boss Roberto Donadoni to lead this expensively assembled squad. We all know how successful his reign as coach was. Poor performances, restlessness in the dressing room and strange player selections – Zúñiga at left-midfield anyone? But ultimately terrible results.
The Naples outfit was, at one point, 15th in the table with four defeats in the opening seven league matches. Donadoni’s overall record was a humiliating four victories in 17 games at the helm of the Azzurri.
After a 2-1 defeat to AS Roma, it was time for change. In waltzed Walter Mazzarri, former Sampdoria manager talking up the club and players. It seemed overnight, the Donadoni curse had lifted. Victories over Bologna and Fiorentina, A magnificent comeback against AC Milan and the stunning victory over Juventus at the weekend have propelled Napoli to 6th place in the table.
Mazzarri has instilled the kind of belief that Donadoni could not. During his tenure the Azzurri would have capitulated when going behind and more often than not did capitulate. Whereas now we see a renewed sense of optimism where going behind is not the end of the world but frees the side from the shackles of expectation.
Going into Saturdays match at the Olimpico in Turin, Napoli were undefeated under Mazzarri who had instilled a never-say-die spirit into the Partenopei players. This re-birth of the Napoli side could catapult them into title contention, I’m not for a second tipping them as Scudetto winners but as a side who will prove a real thorn in the Juve’s and Inter’s of this world. It may be that they have a very large impact on the destination of the 2009/2010 Championship.
Already having a magnificent season, Hamsik has been a shining light for his side in recent weeks and seems to have taken over from Lavezzi as Napoli’s go-to-guy. His performance against Juve was his best performance of the year, capping it two wonderfully taken goals. He is fast becoming one of the best attacking midfield players in Europe. His darting runs and clever one-twos leave opposition defenders in a daze. With 7 goals already in Serie A, it seems there will be many more.
The season is only young but can the Mazzarri machine make a strong title push, probably not. Can they secure European football, in particular the Champions League, most definitely?
It wasn’t so long ago that the Partenopei were conducting a magnificent summer transfer campaign, bringing in Juan Zúñiga from Siena, Hugo Campagnaro a surprise addition from Sampdoria and enticing Fabio Quagliarella back to his hometown club. While adding Azzurrini sensation Luca Cigarini to an already talented bunch of youngsters that included Ezequiel Lavezzi and Marek Hamsik.
I could go on, as the amount of talent that Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has brought in is truly amazing. They have one of the most impressive squads in the peninsula.
But after the sacking of Edy Reja in March this year, it was left to former national team boss Roberto Donadoni to lead this expensively assembled squad. We all know how successful his reign as coach was. Poor performances, restlessness in the dressing room and strange player selections – Zúñiga at left-midfield anyone? But ultimately terrible results.
The Naples outfit was, at one point, 15th in the table with four defeats in the opening seven league matches. Donadoni’s overall record was a humiliating four victories in 17 games at the helm of the Azzurri.
After a 2-1 defeat to AS Roma, it was time for change. In waltzed Walter Mazzarri, former Sampdoria manager talking up the club and players. It seemed overnight, the Donadoni curse had lifted. Victories over Bologna and Fiorentina, A magnificent comeback against AC Milan and the stunning victory over Juventus at the weekend have propelled Napoli to 6th place in the table.
Mazzarri has instilled the kind of belief that Donadoni could not. During his tenure the Azzurri would have capitulated when going behind and more often than not did capitulate. Whereas now we see a renewed sense of optimism where going behind is not the end of the world but frees the side from the shackles of expectation.
Going into Saturdays match at the Olimpico in Turin, Napoli were undefeated under Mazzarri who had instilled a never-say-die spirit into the Partenopei players. This re-birth of the Napoli side could catapult them into title contention, I’m not for a second tipping them as Scudetto winners but as a side who will prove a real thorn in the Juve’s and Inter’s of this world. It may be that they have a very large impact on the destination of the 2009/2010 Championship.
Already having a magnificent season, Hamsik has been a shining light for his side in recent weeks and seems to have taken over from Lavezzi as Napoli’s go-to-guy. His performance against Juve was his best performance of the year, capping it two wonderfully taken goals. He is fast becoming one of the best attacking midfield players in Europe. His darting runs and clever one-twos leave opposition defenders in a daze. With 7 goals already in Serie A, it seems there will be many more.
The season is only young but can the Mazzarri machine make a strong title push, probably not. Can they secure European football, in particular the Champions League, most definitely?
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